Rica Peralejo on Duterte Supporters: ‘Wala namang call to prayer nung panahon ng EJK’
RICA PERALEJO – The former actress shared her thoughts on the ongoing tensions following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
In her post, Rica emphasized the importance of mutual respect—acknowledging the right of Duterte’s supporters to stand by him while also allowing others to express their opposition. However, she criticized those who subtly show their support for Duterte by disguising their sentiments under calls for prayer.
She pointed out that many of these supporters did not express the same level of concern for the victims of extrajudicial killings (EJK) during Duterte’s administration. “Respect for Duterte supporters. Respect for those who do not. But I have none for those who are secretly for Duterte, but cloak their statements with ideologies such as “let’s pray for the nation,” she wrote. Rica further stressed that during the height of EJK cases, there were no widespread calls for prayer, implying a selective approach to moral and political concerns.
Meanwhile, former President Rodrigo Duterte’s initial appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC) is scheduled for today, March 14, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. local time (9:00 p.m. in Manila) before Pre-Trial Chamber 1.
Reports indicate that the hearing will be presided over by Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc, Judge Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou, and Judge María del Socorro Flores Liera. These three judges were responsible for issuing the arrest warrant against Duterte.
Under Article 60(1) of the Rome Statute, any individual arrested under Article 58 must appear before the Pre-Trial Chamber. During this appearance, they will be informed of the charges against them, their legal rights under the Rome Statute, and the schedule for upcoming proceedings.
According to reports, all initial appearances before the Pre-Trial Chamber are open to the public. Former President Duterte has requested legal assistance from former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and the Office of Public Counsel for Defense.